Notes From San Francisco is a two disc set that features a studio album and live performances. As the story goes, in late 1977 after an intense six-month world tour, Rory and his band arrived in San Francisco, California to record a new album. They worked with Elliot Mazer who had produced Neil Young's Harvest and The Band's The Last Waltz. Elliot recalls that the sessions grew tense and Gallagher found the mixing process too complicated. Rory,who perhaps was looking for a rawer sound, shelved the album in early 1978.
The twelve tracks on disc one of Notes From San Francisco is that record. Besides bass, drums, keys and guitars there is an electric violin on song 4 and sax on tracks 1 and 8. It is a well rounded rock album with a touch of blues and melody. The production is crisp and clean. Best of all is Gallagher's guitars that run the range from galloping to gorgeous.
Disc 2 showcases songs from four concerts that took place at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco in December 1979. The dozen tracks document the energy and expertise that Rory was so well respected for. Highlights include the classic "Follow Me", "Tattoo'd Lady" and "Shadow Play". Notes From San Francisco captures the talented and timeless Gallagher at a potent period in his career.

Recording information: His Master's Wheels, San Francisco, CA (12/1979); The Old Waldorf, San Francisco (12/1979).